{"id":14530,"date":"2019-05-20T12:17:09","date_gmt":"2019-05-20T11:17:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dream-cottages.co.uk\/?p=14530"},"modified":"2022-01-10T13:41:49","modified_gmt":"2022-01-10T13:41:49","slug":"7-wonderful-things-isle-portland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dream-cottages.co.uk\/blog\/7-wonderful-things-isle-portland\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Wonderful Things To Do On The Isle Of Portland"},"content":{"rendered":"

Completely different to the rest of Dorset, the Isle of Portland is full of rugged charm. Sat right on the southernmost tip of Weymouth, Portland<\/a> is attached only by the beautiful Chesil Beach and causeway, connecting it to nearby Weymouth. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Despite its rural characteristics, there are still plenty of things to do on the Isle of Portland…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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Here are our top 7 things to do on the Isle of Portland:<\/h2>\n

1. Climb the Portland Bill Lighthouse<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Portland Bill is a naturally beautiful area. Ideal for walking, the path leading to the lighthouse is perfect for a good \u2018ramble\u2019 and the views are magnificent. The Portland Bill Lighthouse is still a working lighthouse to this day, necessary due to the treacherous stretch of water, known as the Portland Race. Visitors can climb up to the top of the Portland Bill Lighthouse and look down at the \u2018Portland Race\u2019 and further across the English Channel.<\/p>\n

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There is also now a Visitor Centre at the Portland Bill Lighthouse, which offers plenty to do. In recent years it has been given a substantial grant which has allowed it to feature some fun and informative maritime displays. Learn about the lighthouse, its keepers and encounter a stormy sea journey in the interactive feature zone, \u2018Into the Dark.\u2019<\/p>\n

After your walk around The Portland Bill, you most definitely need to pop into Portland Bill\u2019s Caf\u00e9 or The Lobster Pot Restaurant, famous for their Dorset Cream Teas and fresh crab.<\/p>\n

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2. Walk the South West Coastal Path<\/strong><\/h3>\n

There is actually a walk right around the Isle of Portland, called \u2018The Isle of Portland Circuit\u2019 which follows the South West Coastal Path right around the island. This is 13 miles long, but you needn\u2019t do all of it. Take the dog and follow the dramatic, rugged cliffs, taking in the rare wildlife, hidden coves and stunning views at every turn. When it\u2019s time for a stop off, take your pick of the cosy Portland inns.<\/p>\n

If you are coming from Weymouth,<\/a> follow the road and cycleway from Ferry Bridge or Chesil Beach, to join the South West Coastal Path as it climbs to the top of the cliff and then away you go!<\/p>\n

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3. Experience nature in its finest form by doing some rare Bird Watching<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Portland is a major migrating point for birds. Because of this, bird watching enthusiasts have always flocked here, with the hope of glancing at rare species. There is even a Portland Bill Observatory running from the Lower Old Lighthouse, open from March to November, where everyone is welcome to join and wait for some glorious glimpses.<\/p>\n

The area of Southwell is a happy hunting ground for the local Barn Owls, and it wouldn\u2019t be a surprise to see Little Egrets, Grey Herons, Red-throated Divers and Kingfishers around Portland, to name but a few!<\/p>\n

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4. Watch the Local Stonemasons at Work<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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At the top of Portland, sits an abandoned stone quarry, which has now become a stone sculpture park. Tout Quarry Nature Reserve and Sculpture Park is sat on the clifftop overlooking Chesil Beach and was once one of over 100 quarries on the island, worked by hand. It really is a fascinating and inspiring place to walk, allowing you to see some remarkable structures being carved out of stone as you watch.<\/p>\n

Visitors are welcome to take a walk around the old quarry, admiring the various stone carvings that have been produced over the years. You can also take a peek at some of Dorset\u2019s local stonemasons working away in an area of the quarry.<\/p>\n

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5. Try your hand at Sailing<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Portland and Weymouth hosted the Sailing Events in the Olympic Games in 2012 and it is quite simply because sailing conditions here are just perfect! In fact, Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour are reputed to offer some of the best sailing waters on the planet, thanks to their sheltered location.<\/p>\n

Why not try your hand at sailing around Portland? Try a \u2018Taster Session\u2019 to begin with by taking a course with The Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre Sailing Courses<\/a> or if you have already had a taste, why not take a two or four-day sailing course!<\/p>\n

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6. Enjoy a spot of Fishing!<\/h3>\n

There are several fishing boat trips operating from Portland Marina. They take you fishing at wrecks (of which there are many, as a result of the treacherous \u2018Portland Race\u2019) or on the reef or the bank.<\/p>\n

You can even go on a \u2018Predator Trip\u2019<\/a> and look for Porbeagle, Mako and Thresher sharks, all of which have been spotted in the waters off Portland. Or how about a \u2018Night Time Fishing Trip\u2019 when the big fish come out to play?!<\/p>\n

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7. Pulpit Rock<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Climb up onto Pulpit Rock and gaze out to sea from this wonderful vantage point \u2013 but only in fine weather conditions! Pulpit Rock is a stack of rocks on the southern tip of Portland, which were left in the 1870\u2019s by quarryman. Despite it not being a natural landform as such, Pulpit Rock has become something of a tourist attraction and is always worth a visit. On a stormy day, the waves crash over the top of the rock, a dramatic scene to behold!<\/p>\n

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And there have it, 7 exciting things to do during your trip to the Isle of Portland. Activities to enjoy with your significant other, family or even a group of friends! <\/strong>To plan your trip, you can see more fun things to do in Dorset on our blog<\/a> or even browse our collection of Dorset cottages<\/a> for longer stays.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Image Credits:<\/strong> Chris Gunns<\/a> (CC BY SA-2.0<\/a>); Jim Linwood<\/a> (CC BY SA-2.0<\/a>)<\/small><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Completely different to the rest of Dorset, the Isle of Portland is full of rugged charm. Sat right on the southernmost tip of Weymouth, Portland is attached only by the beautiful Chesil Beach and causeway, connecting it to nearby Weymouth. Despite its rural characteristics, there are still plenty of things to do on the Isle […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41,"featured_media":36732,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14530","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-area-guides","location-weymouth"],"yoast_head":"\n7 Things to do in Portland | Isle of Portland Guide | Dream Cottages<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Find out these 7 things to do in Portland with your friends and family. 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